The State of Summer Fun
Planning Your Summer Activities? Check out these State Guides. . .
School has ended and the temperature is above sweltering. Summer is officially here. This means it’s time to make plans for summer travel and fun.
Texas is home to a variety of activities as diverse as the state itself. From state parks to cultural activities to heritage touring here is a brief guide to finding what is available across Texas and close to home for your next outing.
The Great Outdoors
With ninety percent of our state’s land privately owned, our state parks system plays an important role in providing an outdoor experience for Texas’ increasingly urban population.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages our park system, provides outdoor recreation opportunities and educates outdoor enthusiasts. By redirecting the sporting goods sales tax to its originally intended target, increases to the parks system budget have brought about much needed repairs and improvements to both the facilities and services. So if you haven’t been to a state park recently, plan a visit and see what’s new.
To encourage more people to enjoy the sport of fishing, Texas Parks and Wildlife has waived the license and stamp requirements for fishing at our state parks. Just pay the entrance fees, and you are free to fish within the park. Parks and Wildlife also hosts many learn-to-fish days, so check out the schedule and start preparing your tale of the one that got away. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/programs/familyfish/
Wireless internet service is available in several state parks for those who love the great outdoors but need to stay connected. The service offers working adults the potential to remain at a park longer than they otherwise would and provides connectivity to recreational vehicle users who are frequently away from home for extended periods of time. Also, park users are able to better plan their activities in the park using up-to-date weather reports. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/parkinfo/facilities/wireless_internet/
For Parks and Wildlife activities closer to home, the department offers a Dallas/Fort Worth Urban Outdoor program. The program features activities for kids, the Texas Outdoors-Woman Network, and fishing and boating opportunities in the North Texas area. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/urban_outdoor_programs/dallas_fort_worth/index.phtml
Hey, Where’s That?
Looking for recommendations on general Texas fun? Visit the Travel Texas website operated by the governor’s Economic Development and Tourism office. The site features a trip planner plus information about seasonal events and activities across the state.
If you have seen the beautifully photographed Texas tourism television and print ad campaigns and wondered about the locations, the site features a map which pinpoints each scene. The ads are online for viewing and mapping at http://www.traveltex.com/ .
Homegrown History
My fellow history buffs will enjoy the guides offered by the Texas Historical Commission’s Heritage Trail Program. Ten different trails cover the entire state and offer a look at the history and culture of each region. For those staying nearby this summer, the Metro area is covered by the Lakes Trail. Learn more about each region and find all the trail maps on the Historical Commission’s website. http://www.thc.state.tx.us/
The Commission’s website is also home to the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. Use this tool to find information about and locations of courthouses, museums and other historic sites. The atlas also features the text and locations of historical markers across the state.
Whether traveling to the far corners of the state or relaxing close to home, you are sure to encounter spectacular natural beauty, find a new adventure, or learn a little of our history using these state resources as your guide to Texas summer fun.
Questions about any of the guides? Call my District office at 214-370-8305.
June 23, 2008
June 20, 2008
Several Lake Highlands neighborhood kids will be hosting an Alex's Lemonade Stand (Registration No. 59131) on Saturday, June 21, from 10 am-4 pm. The stand will be located at 10606 Larchfield Lane, near Walnut Hill and Plano Rd. They will serve fresh squeezed lemonade, just like Grandma makes.All proceeds will be sent to the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which funds pediatric cancer research. To find out more about Alex's Lemonade Stands, view the website at www.alexslemonade.org
Come celebrate the first day of summer by stopping by for a nice cool cup of lemonade and support neighborhood children in their pursuit to help fight pediatric cancer.
June 16, 2008
Gasoline Mower Exchange
New Air Quality Program – Trade in Your Gas Mower
Norio Tsuchiya—HMNA Environmental Representative
From: Medina, Maibel
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 2:22 PM
Subject: City of Dallas: Mow Down Air Pollution
Dear Community Associations,
The Office of Environmental Quality is working on a new air quality program that focuses on reducing emissions from lawnmowers. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the engines in gas-powered lawn equipment pollute more than car engines!
This program allows Dallas residents to trade in their gas mowers for electric mowers at a 50% discount. Program requirements are as follows:
All mowers MUST be in working condition and emptied of gas and oil in order to receive the discount. Participants must be residents of Dallas and show proof of residency. Participants must make a reservation with Nicole Cooper at 214-670-6646 or email: Nicole.cooper@dallascityhall.com. For more information about the Neuton Mower, visit www.NeutonPower.com.
The event information is as follows:
When: Saturday, June 21
Time: 9am-3pm (or while supplies last; only 400 movers available)
Where: Dallas City Hall - Horseshoe Parking Area (1500 Marilla St., Dallas, TX, 75201)
Norio Tsuchiya—HMNA Environmental Representative
From: Medina, Maibel
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 2:22 PM
Subject: City of Dallas: Mow Down Air Pollution
Dear Community Associations,
The Office of Environmental Quality is working on a new air quality program that focuses on reducing emissions from lawnmowers. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the engines in gas-powered lawn equipment pollute more than car engines!
This program allows Dallas residents to trade in their gas mowers for electric mowers at a 50% discount. Program requirements are as follows:
All mowers MUST be in working condition and emptied of gas and oil in order to receive the discount. Participants must be residents of Dallas and show proof of residency. Participants must make a reservation with Nicole Cooper at 214-670-6646 or email: Nicole.cooper@dallascityhall.com. For more information about the Neuton Mower, visit www.NeutonPower.com.
The event information is as follows:
When: Saturday, June 21
Time: 9am-3pm (or while supplies last; only 400 movers available)
Where: Dallas City Hall - Horseshoe Parking Area (1500 Marilla St., Dallas, TX, 75201)
June 9, 2008
From the desk of Rep. Allen Vaught
Watching the Sun Set in Texas: State Government and Accountability
Texas follows a unique process in the ongoing effort to provide efficiency and effectiveness in state government. The Sunset Advisory Commission is responsible for the regular assessment of Texas state agencies, examining each to eliminate waste, duplication of services, and inefficiency.
As with all matters related to democracy, this process thrives with public participation. Take a moment to learn about Sunset and how your comments can influence how well your government works for you.
Sunset
Basically, each state agency in Texas must justify its existence every twelve years. The legislature either renews or dissolves an agency through passage of Sunset legislation based upon recommendations of the Commission.
The Commission is comprised of twelve members, (five senators, five representatives, and two members of the public), appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House. A staff assists the Commission members by conducting an in-depth examination of the agencies under review.
The Sunset process began in 1977, and oversees approximately 130 agencies. A few exceptions exist in the form of courts and universities. Also, constitutionally created agencies, such as the Teacher Retirement System and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, may be reviewed but not abolished.
How the Process Works
The staff of the Commission works with each agency under review to evaluate the need for the agency. As part of the review, each agency performs a self-review to identify its own problem and success areas. Sunset staff extensively interviews the reviewed agency’s employees for insight into daily operations. Additionally, input from interest groups and professional organizations related to the reviewed agency is solicited.
The Sunset staff then publishes a report proposing statutory or management changes and develops legislation necessary to enact any changes. The entire review generally takes three to eight months, depending upon the size and complexity of the agency.
Public Input
Once the Sunset staff report is published, the Commissioners hold public hearings. At this time, the Sunset staff presents its recommendations and the reviewed agency has the opportunity to formally respond to the recommendations. The public may then comment on the report and offer additional input regarding policy related to the agency.
How You May Participate
The public provides valuable information concerning agency performance during the hearing portion of the review process. The Sunset staff reports are available for inspection on the Commission’s website and are accessible at http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/ . The public may comment in person at the Commission hearings or submit written testimony. Later, a second chance for public comment arises during the legislative session when the bills to either continue or abolish an agency move through the legislative process.
Who’s Under Review?
Agencies are reviewed in a staggered fashion. Those whose fate will be determined during the 2009 legislative session include:
Texas Department of Agriculture Texas Department of Insurance
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Racing Commission Texas Residential Construction Commission
Texas Department of Transportation Texas Youth Commission
The public hearing schedule for the reviewed agencies may be accessed at http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/meetingsch2008.pdf
If you have questions about the Sunset Advisory Commission and the agency review process, please contact my district office at 214-370-8305.
Sources: Guide to the Sunset Process, Texas Sunset Advisory Commission Staff
Texas follows a unique process in the ongoing effort to provide efficiency and effectiveness in state government. The Sunset Advisory Commission is responsible for the regular assessment of Texas state agencies, examining each to eliminate waste, duplication of services, and inefficiency.
As with all matters related to democracy, this process thrives with public participation. Take a moment to learn about Sunset and how your comments can influence how well your government works for you.
Sunset
Basically, each state agency in Texas must justify its existence every twelve years. The legislature either renews or dissolves an agency through passage of Sunset legislation based upon recommendations of the Commission.
The Commission is comprised of twelve members, (five senators, five representatives, and two members of the public), appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House. A staff assists the Commission members by conducting an in-depth examination of the agencies under review.
The Sunset process began in 1977, and oversees approximately 130 agencies. A few exceptions exist in the form of courts and universities. Also, constitutionally created agencies, such as the Teacher Retirement System and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, may be reviewed but not abolished.
How the Process Works
The staff of the Commission works with each agency under review to evaluate the need for the agency. As part of the review, each agency performs a self-review to identify its own problem and success areas. Sunset staff extensively interviews the reviewed agency’s employees for insight into daily operations. Additionally, input from interest groups and professional organizations related to the reviewed agency is solicited.
The Sunset staff then publishes a report proposing statutory or management changes and develops legislation necessary to enact any changes. The entire review generally takes three to eight months, depending upon the size and complexity of the agency.
Public Input
Once the Sunset staff report is published, the Commissioners hold public hearings. At this time, the Sunset staff presents its recommendations and the reviewed agency has the opportunity to formally respond to the recommendations. The public may then comment on the report and offer additional input regarding policy related to the agency.
How You May Participate
The public provides valuable information concerning agency performance during the hearing portion of the review process. The Sunset staff reports are available for inspection on the Commission’s website and are accessible at http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/ . The public may comment in person at the Commission hearings or submit written testimony. Later, a second chance for public comment arises during the legislative session when the bills to either continue or abolish an agency move through the legislative process.
Who’s Under Review?
Agencies are reviewed in a staggered fashion. Those whose fate will be determined during the 2009 legislative session include:
Texas Department of Agriculture Texas Department of Insurance
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Racing Commission Texas Residential Construction Commission
Texas Department of Transportation Texas Youth Commission
The public hearing schedule for the reviewed agencies may be accessed at http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/meetingsch2008.pdf
If you have questions about the Sunset Advisory Commission and the agency review process, please contact my district office at 214-370-8305.
Sources: Guide to the Sunset Process, Texas Sunset Advisory Commission Staff
June 7, 2008
YOM Program--Nominate a Yard Today!
The L Streets, N. A. Yard of the Month (YOM) program provides incentives to homeowners who create and maintain attractive landscaping and/or yard décor.
Each month, April through October, the Beautification Committee will review nominations. Residents may recommend a yard by completing the nomination form on the website at www.lstreets.org/yom.html or by emailing the YOM Chair, Pamela Lehr, at yom@lstreets.org.
Nominations must be received by the 23rd of each month, except for June and July. Nominations for June and July must be received by the 17th for these months.
Winners will be notified by the Committee and will be featured on the L-Streets website and in the quarterly newsletter. Two yards will receive "honorable mention" awards.
The YOM winner will receive a $50 Calloway's gift certificate. The Yard of the Month sign will be displayed in the winner's yard for one month. Thanks to Calloway's Nursery, located at Greenville Avenue and Walnut Hill Lane, for sponsoring the L Streets Yard of the Month program and for helping to improve the landscape of our neighborhood.
Print an online coupon good for $5.00 off for every $25.00 purchase at Calloway's Nursery.
Each month, April through October, the Beautification Committee will review nominations. Residents may recommend a yard by completing the nomination form on the website at www.lstreets.org/yom.html or by emailing the YOM Chair, Pamela Lehr, at yom@lstreets.org.
Nominations must be received by the 23rd of each month, except for June and July. Nominations for June and July must be received by the 17th for these months.
Winners will be notified by the Committee and will be featured on the L-Streets website and in the quarterly newsletter. Two yards will receive "honorable mention" awards.
The YOM winner will receive a $50 Calloway's gift certificate. The Yard of the Month sign will be displayed in the winner's yard for one month. Thanks to Calloway's Nursery, located at Greenville Avenue and Walnut Hill Lane, for sponsoring the L Streets Yard of the Month program and for helping to improve the landscape of our neighborhood.
Print an online coupon good for $5.00 off for every $25.00 purchase at Calloway's Nursery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
